Photo: Alexander Demyanchuk/TASS

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been systematically claiming that the Ukrainian government is “illegitimate”, creating the basis for disrupting any future agreements with Kyiv. This is stated in a report by the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Kremlin manipulations and the threat of breaching agreements
Analysts point out that Putin, despite his statements, has previously signed agreements with Ukrainian officials, including the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements. However, Moscow has regularly violated them, using the rhetoric of the “invalidity” of the agreements.

“Even if Ukraine officially cancels the decree banning negotiations with Putin, the Kremlin is likely to violate any agreement, justifying it by alleging illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government,” ISW said.

Manipulations for domestic and international audiences
The Kremlin will try to portray Ukraine as a party that is “dragging out” the war, and will use this thesis to legitimise further aggressive actions in the eyes of the international community.